Why part of Atalanta stadium is closed for Europa League quarter final against Liverpool

epa11287207 Liverpool’s players huddle prior the UEFA Europa League quarterfinal 2nd leg soccer match between Atalanta BC and Liverpool FC at the Bergamo Stadium in Bergamo, Italy, 18 April 2024. EPA-EFE/MICHELE MARAVIGLIA

Some spectators have questioned why the south stand of Atalanta’s Gewiss Stadium is empty during the Europa League quarter-final between La Dea and Liverpool.

The old Curva Sud Morosini was demolished at the end of the 2022-23 season to make way for a new stand, which is set to increase the stadium’s total capacity from 21,500 to 25,000.

It took roughly a week to demolish the old stand back in June 2023, and works are expected to be completed in time for the beginning of the 2024-25 season.

As building works take place, Atalanta’s home capacity has been reduced to around 16,000. In Serie A, travelling teams have regularly had an allocation of 700 tickets.

Atalanta’s redevelopment project will also provide other surrounding facilities, including an underground car park.

Pre-existing season ticket holders in the old Curva Sud will have the priority for seats in the new stand when tickets are allocated for the 2024-25 campaign.